The Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop AI-driven approaches to drug discovery under the supervision of Dr. Marvin Schulte, Associate Dean for Graduate Education. This position will focus on utilizing large and small molecular databases, explainable AI (XAI), and generative AI to identify and optimize modulators of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) based on existing data.

This is a part-time position, a 6-month limited-term role, and has the ability to be remote.

Essential functions for the role will be:

• Develop AI-based models for virtual screening, molecular design, and lead optimization targeting nAChRs.
• Integrate large public datasets and small experimental datasets to improve predictive accuracy.
• Implement explainable AI techniques to enhance model interpretability and guide medicinal chemistry e?orts.
• Utilize generative AI approaches to design novel drug-like compounds with improved pharmacological pro?les.
• Validate computational predictions through experimental techniques, including receptor assays.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including medicinal chemists and electrophysiologists, to re?ne drug  candidates.
• Publish ?ndings in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit:

• A cover letter detailing research experience and alignment with the
• A CV including publications and relevant technical
• Contact information for three

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. (or completion of all Ph.D. requirements, including dissertation defense) in computational chemistry, bioinformatics, pharmacology, neuroscience, biomedical engineering, or a related ?eld.
• Experience with AI/ML applications in drug discovery, including database curation, model training, and validation.
• Hands-on experience in experimental laboratory techniques relevant to drug development and receptor biology.
• Strong programming skills in Python, R, or similar languages for AI/ML
• Familiarity with structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis, molecular docking, and cheminformatics tools.
• Understanding challenges and modern approaches in drug discovery and receptor
• Ability to work independently while collaborating e?ectively with interdisciplinary teams.

Preferred Quali?cations

• Experience with deep learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Background in molecular dynamics simulations or electrophysiological
• Prior research on nAChRs or other ion channels
• Strong publication record in relevant areas.

About Tufts University

This is Tufts. Tufts is a student-centered research university with a constellation of world-class schools encompassing undergraduate, graduate, professional, and lifelong learning programs. Across the university, students satisfy their intellectual curiosity, jump-start rewarding careers, and unlock bright, promising futures. Through rigorous academics, groundbreaking research, and a commitment to civic engagement and leadership, our community of students, faculty, and staff collaborate across four Massachusetts campuses to build a brighter world (Medford/Somerville, Grafton, Boston-Chinatown, and Boston-Fenway). Our employees light the way. Tufts develops innovative solutions for the most complex global challenges of our time through teaching, research, and an unparalleled investment in civic engagement. In administration and operations, in dining centers and in labs, every employee plays a role in our mission for a better, brighter world. At Tufts, the work you do matters. So do you. Enjoy flexible and remote opportunities, innovative benefits, and an inclusive, welcoming, collaborative culture that supports you. Develop your skills. Take classes. Advance your career. ...Do work that makes you proud in a community you love. All while taking great care of yourself and the people who matter most. We’re all in on creating an anti-racist culture of belonging. Across Tufts, we’ve deepened our commitment to making the university a truly inclusive place. Where every member of our community contributes and feels like they belong. Where diverse perspectives are seen as our strength, and great ideas are always heard. In offices, labs, classrooms, and beyond, we’re doing this work together, knowing it is the foundation of our mission to create a brighter world. An innovative university needs resourceful people who make things happen. Here, collaboration isn’t just a buzzword, colleagues actually care, and community means everything. Sound appealing? Come join us. Choose a campus and find the role that fits you. Tufts University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our faculty and staff and fostering their success when hired. Members of underrepresented groups are welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. See the University’s Non-Discrimination statement and policy here https://oeo.tufts.edu/policies-procedures/non-discrimination/. If you are an applicant with a disability who is unable to use our online tools to search and apply for jobs, please contact us by calling the Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) at 617-627-3298 or at oeo@tufts.edu. Applicants can learn more about requesting reasonable accommodations at https://oeo.tufts.edu/

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